Major’s Mission is a non-profit Christian veterans organization founded in honor and memory of United States Marine Corps Major Julian Manuel Elizondo Sr. of Edinburg, Texas. My dad, the Major, entered the gates of heaven on April 16, 2023. Born in 1937 in the small town of Delmita, Texas, he rose from humble beginnings to live a life defined by honor, sacrifice, and service. He dedicated every moment to helping others, leading with quiet strength, unwavering faith, and fierce love for his family and country. To my brothers and me, his greatest accomplishment wasn’t found in medals or titles; it was in how he loved us. He was the greatest father any son could ask for. Our hero. Our rock. In his later years, he became our closest friend and our commanding general. We always called him “Sir,” and people often wondered why, but to us, it was a sign of our deep respect for the man he was. Serving the Lord and the United States Marine Corps were his two greatest honors. The Major completed two combat tours in Vietnam, earning the Navy Commendation Medal with a “V” device for valor, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He served as a Captain and Company Commander of the 11th Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Marine Division, leading Marines through the crucible of war with courage and integrity. But his service didn’t end with the military. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, teacher, counselor, probation officer, and advocate for people with disabilities. Each role was carried out with dedication and humility. Of all these achievements, the ones he cherished most were his relationship with Jesus Christ, playing the saxophone on the praise team at the church he helped to found, and his proud 9-year Marine Corps career from 1961 to 1970. Every conversation with him came back to two things: our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the U.S. Marine Corps. His faith and his service were the twin pillars of his life. Today, Major’s Mission carries on his legacy.